Other than being an eyesore that alters weather patterns and reflects enough heat to melt nearby luxury cars, London's 'Walkie-Talkie' building has been a roaring success.
A panel of architecture critics at Building Design magazine named the 37-story structure as the U.K.’s worst new building, according to NPR. Instead of being awarded a prestigious Stirling Prize, it was given the 2015 Carbuncle Cup.
Playfully nicknamed because of its slightly rounded, top-heavy shape, the building is officially called 20 Fenchurch Street. Architect Rafael Viñoly designed it, and it was completed last year, costing more than £200 million ($305 million) to construct.
The Walkie-Talkie is spacious: 680,000 sf and an occupational density of one person per eight square meters.
The design has been criticized for a number of reasons. The building has created wind patterns at street level that have knocked pedestrians around. Due to all the exterior glass and the curved shape, intense amounts of light reflects off 20 Fenchurch Street, which set a carpet on fire and melted a car parked on the street (a shaded structure was later added to negate this). The building has received a few nicknames off its nickname, including Walkie Scorchie and Walkie Windy. Even the building’s rooftop park, the Sky Garden, has been panned.
The Walkie-Talkie “defeated” other worst building entries like a YMCA gym and a parliament house.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2016
Zaha Hadid designs geometric flower-shaped tower for sustainable Qatar city
The 38-story building will have a mashrabiya latticed facade with hotel and residential space inside.
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
New San Francisco mixed-use tower billed as most earthquake-resistant building on the West Coast
A megabrace is a key seismic component at 181 Fremont, with offices, residences, and retail space.
High-rise Construction | Jul 14, 2016
Shigeru Ban designs tower expected to be world’s tallest hybrid timber structure
To lessen the carbon footprint, Terrace House in Vancouver will be made of wood sourced from British Columbia.
High-rise Construction | Jul 12, 2016
Three-tiered, 57-story high-rise development from Arquitectonica coming to Miami
The structure will be the tallest building in the Edgewater District
Office Buildings | Jul 11, 2016
CetraRuddy designs office tower for Manhattan’s Meatpacking district
Plans originally called for a hotel, but the architect and developers adapted their design for commercial use.
Contractors | Jul 4, 2016
A new report links infrastructure investment to commercial real estate expansion
Competitiveness and economic development are at stake for cities, says Transwestern.
High-rise Construction | Jun 29, 2016
Best Tall Buildings around the world favor unusual shapes and hybrid functions
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat selects winners in four regions.
High-rise Construction | Jun 28, 2016
CTBUH names winners and finalists for 2016 Tall Building Awards
Eight winners were named in five categories that recognized tall buildings, urban habitats, innovation, performance, and decade-long excellence.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2016
WilkinsonEyre designs diamond-patterned Bay Park Centre for Toronto
A sloping plaza with trees, grass, and gardens connects the two downtown towers.
Sponsored | High-rise Construction | Jun 13, 2016
Marilyn Monroe’ tower adds curves to the Toronto skyline
Made of glass, concrete, and steel, the 56-story tower has been dubbed the "Marilyn Monroe" because of its curving lines.